PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY AND LAKEWOOD RANCH REALTY TO TAKE PART IN FLORIDA OPEN HOUSE APRIL 10-11
SARASOTA, Fla. (March 19, 2010) — Prudential Palms Realty and Lakewood Ranch Realty will be offering clients the opportunity to reach dozens of prospective buyers in a single weekend as part of the Florida Open House Weekend sponsored by the 115,000-plus member Florida Realtors.
On Saturday and Sunday, April 10-11, Prudential Palms Realty and Lakewood Ranch Realty will conduct open houses at an estimated 50 throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. Blue balloons, featuring the Realtor “R” in white, will denote those homes that are part of the statewide open house campaign. Balloons will be on display simultaneously at open houses from the Panhandle to Key West. http://www.floridarealtors.org/AboutFar/OpenHouse/Be-Proud-of-it-Be-Part-of-it.cfm
The Florida Open House Weekend comes just before the April 30, 2010, deadline for the federal homebuyer tax credit. Homes need to be under contract by April 30, 2010, and closed by June 30, 2010, to take advantage of up to $8,000 in tax credits.
“This event offers people a convenient way to see as many homes as they wish in one weekend and gives our members a chance to be part of this massive effort to match buyers to their sellers,” says Helen Sosso, Broker/Owner of Prudential Palms Realty and Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty.
She adds that the weekend will be a fun way to attract buyers and help them learn more about what is available in the local housing market.
PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY ASSOCIATE TAMI CASHI EARNS
NAR SHORT SALES AND FORECLOSURES CERTIFICATION
SARASOTA, Fla. (March 19, 2010) — Tami Cashi, TRC, of Prudential Palms Realty has earned the nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification. The National Association of REALTORS® offers the SFR certification to REALTORS® who want to help both buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions, as demand for professional expertise with distressed sales grows.
According to a recent NAR survey, nearly one-third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures. For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” transaction. REALTORS® who have earned the SFR certification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.
“As leading advocates for homeownership, REALTORS® believe that any family that loses its home to foreclosure is one family too many, but unfortunately, there are situations in which people just cannot afford to keep their homes, and a foreclosure or a short sale results,” said 2009 NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. “Foreclosures and short sales can offer opportunities for home buyers and benefit the larger community, as well, but it’s extremely important to have the help of a real estate professional like a REALTOR® who has earned the SFR certification for these kinds of purchases.”
The certification program includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk, and provides resources to help REALTORS® stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves.
A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Cashi has sold residential real estate for twelve years. Since relocating to Sarasota with her son five years ago, Cashi has become a Certified Fine Homes Specialist, has been rated five consecutive years as part of the Leading Edge group (top 6% of Prudential agents nationally) and has been voted FIVE STAR Best in Client Satisfaction Real Estate Agent. She graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in Business, holds the At Home with Diversity designation and holds her ICREA Transnational Referral Certification. She also serves on the Board of Directors for University Places CDD and is a member of their Social Committee, co-chairing their Annual Toys-for-Tots fundraiser for the past five years.
PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY ASSOCIATES HAVE BEEN HONORED THE EMERITUS AWARD BY THE SARASOTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
SARASOTA, Fla. (March 17, 2010) Prudential Palms Realty is proud to announce that Maryline Odea and Nancy Spinks have been awarded the Emeritus Award by The Sarasota Association of Realtors®.
The Sarasota Association of Realtors® recently honored Maryline Odea and Nancy Spinks with National Realtor® Emeritus status at the organization’s first 2010 Quarterly Membership Meeting on Friday, March 12th at Pine Shores Community Center, 6210 Crestwood Ave.
Each year, the National Association of Realtors® recognizes persons who have been a member of NAR for a cumulative period of 40 years or more.
Upon approval by the Board of Directors of the NAR, no further payment of dues is
necessary to the National Association by the Member Association of which the Realtor® Emeritus is a member.
Realtor® Emeritus members are also exempt from the Quadrennial Ethics Training requirement. Each Realtor® Emeritus member will also receive a congratulatory letter, certificate and 40-year Realtor® Emeritus lapel pin.
PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY ASSOCIATE SUSAN J. MILLER EARNS
NAR SHORT SALES AND FORECLOSURES CERTIFICATION
SARASOTA, Fla. (February 23, 2010) Susan J. Miller, SFR, QSC, with Prudential Palms Realty has earned the nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification. The National Association of REALTORS® offers the SFR certification to REALTORS® who want to help both buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions, as demand for professional expertise with distressed sales grows.
According to a recent NAR survey, nearly one-third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures. For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” transaction. REALTORS® who have earned the SFR certification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.
The certification program includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk, and provides resources to help REALTORS® stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves.
PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY PROUDLY ANNOUNCES
THE ADDITION OF ELLEN GESELL
SARASOTA, Fla. (February 17, 2010) Helen Sosso, CEO of Prudential Palms Realty, is pleased to announce the addition of Ellen Gesell to their Lakewood Ranch office.
Ellen Gesell has a wealth of real estate experience having experienced many aspects of real estate transactions on a personal level; she understands situations and concerns of her buyers and sellers. Before joining Prudential Palms Realty in Sarasota, Ellen was previously with Exit Realty in Brandon, FL and Charles Rutenberg Realty in Clearwater Beach, FL. She specializes in luxury residential real estate.
Gesell lives, works and plays in her local community and believes in giving back to. She has made a personal commitment to donate 10% of every net commission to a non-profit charity of her client’s choice. She is an active member of Harvest United Methodist Church in Lakewood Ranch where she teaches Sunday school to kindergarten children, she is a committee member for the Upcoming 65 Roses Cystic Fibrosis Golf Tournament, and she is a member of The New Sarasotans and The Sarasota Newcomers Club.
Gesell was born in Daytona Beach and was raised in a military family and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BS and Masters Degree in Education. She is married with two grown children and enjoys playing tennis and golf.
PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY PROUDLY ANNOUNCES
THE ADDITION OF VALENTINA PIPPEN
SARASOTA, Fla. (February 16, 2010) Helen Sosso, CEO of Prudential Palms Realty, is pleased to announce the addition of Valentina Pippen to their International Division.
Valentina Pippin brings over 20 years of financing, sales and real estate experience to Prudential Palms Realty. In her previous career, she served as a consultant to multi-million dollar agencies for large scale international infrastructure projects such as power plants, industrial manufacturing and oil and gas projects around the world. Valentina has worked with Fortune 100 companies and major public and private financial institutions and was a member of the economic development team that is responsible for Baltimore Inner Harbor’s continuing redevelopment, which to this day is an inspiration to large scale urban waterfront redevelopment projects around the world. Because of her background, she is able to benefit companies expanding or relocating to Florida by tapping into available incentive funds, programs and resources.
Pippin is involved in the community as a member of Sarasota Sister Cities, as adviser to the Xiamen Sister Cities Business Sub-committee and is a Board Member of The Gulf Coast Chinese American Association. She is active in all phases of real estate sales, consulting and development and holds an MBA in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, USA.
PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY PARTNERS WITH SHIRELY LAGRANGE
TO HOST WEEKLY INVESTOR PROPERTY TOURS
SARASOTA, Fla. (February 12, 2010) Prudential Palms Realty has partnered with agent, Shirley Lagrange, to oversee a weekly investor property tour which will include properties from Casey Key to Anna Maria Island.
Lagrange’s concept for a weekly tour will offer investors access and convenience to view properties of extreme value. The tours will take place every Monday for single family homes and every Wednesday for condominium homes. Tours will include listings under 1 million and private tours are available to investors over one million by appointment. Location of tours change weekly and will cover areas from Longboat Key, Lido, St Armand’s, Bird Key, downtown, Siesta key, Casey Key and some inland areas.
"Our goal is to assist and educate our clients in the value that is currently available and to do it in a way that allows our clients to explore real estate without having to buy today but knowing more for tomorrow,” said Lagrange. Shirley Lagrange has been working with investors from the US and Europe for over five years and knows the investor market well. She speaks fluent French and is a certified TRC specialist.
Reservations for the weekly investor property tours are preferred but not necessary. The weekly caravan departs at 10:00 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday from the corporate office downtown located at 130 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236.
To reach Shirley Lagrange by phone, 941.894.4297 or by e-mail, shirleylargrange@prudentialpalmsrealty.com.
NEW AGENTS JOIN PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY
SARASOTA, Fla. (February 10, 2010) The most recent group of new agents to join Prudential Palms Realty brings a variety of experiences from both within and outside the industry. Their life experiences from a variety of previous careers will assist them in advising their clients and customers.
“Once again, we are very excited to announce this outstanding group of new agents who have joined our company,” announced Helen Sosso, President of Prudential Palms Realty. “Being able to relate to the customer is essential, so a background representing a wide range of experience can be very beneficial. No matter what the previous career was, all of these professionals bring strong business experience and enthusiasm that will serve them during presentations, negotiations and closings.”
New sales agents who recently joined Prudential Palms Realty are:
- Diana Sepe, Lakewood Ranch: Previous experience as a licensed Realtor in New York specializing in residential and commercial real estate. Came from a banking, accounting and finance industry with an expertise in business and finance.
- Shirley Lagrange, Siesta Key Office: Shirley Lagrange has been working with investors from the US and Europe for over five years and will be focusing on weekly investor tours to showcase the available properties with exceptional value. Lagrange speaks fluent French and is a certified TRC specialist.
- Cher Pujol, Downtown Office: Licensed for 30 years, 15 years in California and then 15 in Florida. Formerly with The Founders Club and The Oaks. Pujol co-owned a new home development company and was a mortgage branch manager in California before getting her real estate license.
- Rochelle LaRue, Downtown Office: New to real estate but not business, LaRue has owned two of her own retail clothing boutiques located in Rhode Island since she was 19. Born in California and growing up in Arizona, she loves working with people and looks forward to serving her many new clients here in Sarasota, Florida.
- Kit Denman, Downtown Office: Denman has been licensed since 2007 in both residential and commercial real estate sales. She is also a licensed attorney in Colorado where she practiced for twenty years prior to her relocating to Sarasota with family.
- Courtney Campbell, Longboat Key Office: Campbell has solely focused on waterfront properties on Longboat Key for over seven years. She is married, has three children and is the Treasurer of the Pine View Association for Pine View School where they attend school.
- Gary Coker, Downtown Office: Coker has 15 years experience in timeshare/resort management and two years experience in luxury vacation rentals. He is new to real estate but not customer service.
- Marilyn Alston, Downtown Office: Formerly from Maine and New Brunswick, Canada where she was a licensed Realtor for 25 years. She is also a licensed decorator.
- Jim Lochead, Downtown Office: With 40 years experience in construction as project manager, construction manager, and master carpenter, Lochead wanted to get his real estate license as the perfect accompaniment. A USAF Veteran and Youth Sports coach for 20 years, Lochead finds the time to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.
- Lauren Strout Koken, Downtown Office: Koken holds a Master of Science in Industrial & Organizational Psychology and is certified in Transnational Referrals.
- Micah Lee Pippin, Downtown Office: Four years experience in residential sales in Sarasota, Florida and 23 years experience in manufacturing management and five years in project finance for large infrastructure installations, private investors and mortgage brokers.
- Violet Byrdak, Downtown Office: Residing in the United States for 20 years, Byrdak speaks Polish fluently and has practiced real estate in New Jersey and Florida.
- Beth Karlin, Downtown Office: Formerly an international correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News, Karlin obtained her real estate license while residing in New York. Recently relocated to Sarasota and obtained her real estate license to work in the community she now calls home.
- Bruce Derbin, Downtown Office: An Ohio native and Colorado resident for over 30 years, Derbin relocated to Southwest Florida as this was his favorite destination from past family vacation and sail boating excursions.
- Ana Maria Wissing, Downtown Office: Wissing has 14 years of experience as a full-time realtor, 10 years in Wisconsin and four years in Sarasota. She is fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish. Born in Bahia, Brazil, she moved to Lima, Peru and eventually the United States with permanent residence in Sarasota, Florida in 1988.
“Once again, Prudential Palms Realty has attracted an experienced group of new agents, whose life experiences will enrich their new careers,” Sosso continued. “We look forward to announcing their future successes, as they embark on meeting new goals with Prudential Palms Realty.”
PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY and FINE HOME SPECIALISTS
HOST LUXURY HOME TOUR
SARASOTA, Fla., (February 8, 2010) – Prudential Palms Realty is hosting a one day only luxury home tour this Sunday, February 14, 2010 for those that love viewing luxury properties.
Homes included in the tour are located from downtown Sarasota and surrounds. The event is open to the public and runs from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M.
Registered guests can win a romantic gourmet gift basket from Mattison’s including a bottle of wine, a pair of wine glasses, chocolates and a gift certificate for two for brunch. Light food and fare will be available at each home.
The following nine distinctive homes listed below are available for viewing as you delight your senses with your love for real estate.
BIRD KEY:
336 W. Royal Flamingo Drive, 447 E. Royal Flamingo Drive, 481 E. Royal Flamingo Drive,
DOWNTOWN SARASOTA:
The Plaza at Five Points, 50 Central Ave, #Ph17C (CALL FOR ACCESS)
LONGBOAT KEY:
Islander Club -2301 Gulf Of Mexico Dr #115, Queens Harbour-3570 Fair Oaks Way, Water Club-1241 Gulf of Mexico # 904, (CALL FOR ACCESS)
SARASOTA & SURROUNDS:
Founders Club-3349 Founders Club Drive, Bayview Heights-2625 Colony Terrace
PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY MANAGER IS HONORED BY THE SARASOTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS FOR HER DEDICATION
SARASOTA, Fla. (February 5, 2010) Prudential Palms Realty is proud to announce that Paula Cashi was recently awarded the Meritorious Service Award by The Sarasota Association of Realtors.
The Sarasota Association of Realtors honored Paula Cashi with the Meritorious Service Award in recognition of her continuous dedication to both the Sarasota, Florida and the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Realtors Associations.
"Real estate is not just about selling homes, it’s about getting involved and helping each other. I’m honored to receive such a prestigious award,” said Paula Cashi, Director of Training.
PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY ASSOCIATE SPONSORED OPENING NIGHT AFTER PARTY OF “HEARTS” AT THE ASOLO REPETORY THEATRE
SARASOTA, Fla. (February 4, 2010) Prudential Palms Realty associate, Greg Hudson, Fine Homes Specialist, recently sponsored the opening night after party for the opening of “Hearts” by Willy Holtzman at the Asolo Repertory Theatre.
Douglas Jones headed the cast that also included James Clarke, Peter Mendez , Sarah Gavitt and Michael Joseph Mitchell.
"Growing up in Sarasota, I am fortunate to have been inspired by our area's cultural and performing arts. I feel it's important to give back to organizations like the Asolo so future generations may continue to be inspired and share in the experience," said Hudson.
Helen Sosso of Prudential Palms Realty has been a board member, and a corporate and Foundation sponsor of The Asolo Repertory Theatre for more than six years. She and many Fine Home Specialists continue to see the value of this community partnership.
PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY LAUNCHES NEW COMPANY
SARASOTA, Fla. (January 29, 2010) Prudential Palms Realty is proud to announce the launch of its new short sales business operation called Palms Short Sale Services.
Palms Short Sale Services handles the time consuming loss mitigation work, creates win-win solutions for clients, lenders and Realtors as well as analyzes each client’s situation to help try and avoid foreclosure. In addition, Palms Short Sale Services has formed key partnerships with local and national lenders and attorneys to assist clients in all transactions. The new venture will be managed by Mary Smedley.
"Our goal is to assist our clients through the mountains of paperwork and have their home close faster in a much more efficient manner," said Mary Smedley, Managing Director. "We pride ourselves on our ability to drive measurable results to help our clients move their unfortunate situations forward," she added.
Palms Short Sale Services will offer consulting services to clients in several countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom.
For more information on Palms Short Sale Services, visit www.palmsshortsale.com.
PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY PROUDLY ANNOUNCES
THE ADDITION OF THE EVANS TEAM
SARASOTA, Fla. (January 15, 2010) Helen Sosso, CEO of Prudential Palms Realty, is pleased to announce the addition of Patricia and Peter Evans, The Evans Team, to their Lakewood Ranch office. The Evans’ have 26 years of real estate experience between them.
The Evans Team comes to Prudential Palms Realty from Coldwell Banker where they were consistent top producers. They chose to come to Prudential Palms Realty because they wanted to work with a locally owned company with a global presence.
Peter was the past owner of A & R Engineering and has a Master’s Degree from Indiana University. Patricia was the office manager at A & R Engineering and has Bachelor of Science from Central Missouri State.
PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY ASSOCIATE JACKIE ROBERTSON EARNS NAR SHORT SALES AND FORECLOSURES CERTIFICATION
Buyers and Sellers Benefit from REALTOR® Expertise in Distressed Sales
SARASOTA, Fla. (January 15, 2010) Jackie Robertson, QSC and e-Certified, with Prudential Palms Realty has earned the nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification. The National Association of REALTORS® offers the SFR certification to REALTORS® who want to help both buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions, as demand for professional expertise with distressed sales grows.
According to a recent NAR survey, nearly one-third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures. For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” transaction. REALTORS® who have earned the SFR certification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.
“As leading advocates for homeownership, REALTORS® believe that any family that loses its home to foreclosure is one family too many, but unfortunately, there are situations in which people just cannot afford to keep their homes, and a foreclosure or a short sale results,” said 2009 NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. “Foreclosures and short sales can offer opportunities for home buyers and benefit the larger community, as well, but it’s extremely important to have the help of a real estate professional like a REALTOR® who has earned the SFR certification for these kinds of purchases.”
The certification program includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk, and provides resources to help REALTORS® stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves.
MAGGIE HUTTER REJOINS PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY
AND PARTNERS WITH CHARLENE HUTSON
SARASOTA, Fla. (January 14, 2010) After a very successful career in advertising and marketing in the telecommunications field, Maggie Hutter began her real estate career in 2003. A long time believer in continuing education, she quickly has earned the designations of Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI); Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS); Fine Home Specialist; Relocation Specialist; e-PRO, Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), and Transnational Referral Certification (TRC).
Maggie's expertise spans investment properties, luxury homes and condominiums, waterfront and country club properties. She has a proven track record in successful international transactions. She has been in the top 3% of all Prudential agents worldwide for the past two years as well as being voted 5-star best in Customer Service for 2006 and 2007.
The key to Maggie's success has been hard work, market knowledge, technology and networking. She and her new partner, Charlene Hutson, Maggie’s sister, believe that understanding the needs and objectives of their clients is where it all begins.
PRUDENTIAL PALMS REALTY ASSOCIATE SHERI WOFFORD
JOINS ANDREW BERS TEAM
SARASOTA, Fla. (January 13, 2010) Andrew Bers is pleased to announce that Sheri Wofford has joined his team as a Buyer’s Specialist.
Sheri began her real estate career in 1978 in Malibu, California. In 1990, she received her Florida real estate license and has never looked back.
“We are very fortunate to have Sheri on our team as a Buyer Specialist”, says Bers. “Her knowledge of the local market and her ability to listen to a buyer’s needs is unsurpassed”.
Sheri takes pride in providing exceptional service to her clients. “When you work with Sheri to purchase a property you can be assured that you have a knowledgeable, hard working and experienced Realtor on your side”, adds Bers.
Sheri specializes in new construction and luxury real estate resale homes in Sarasota and Manatee counties. She received her Certified Distressed Property Expert certification and Transnational Referral Certification in 2009.
